What Are Cannabis Concentrates, And What Is The Best Form?

There are countless cannabis concentrate products available under the term cannabis concentrate. Unfortunately, concentrate terminology is confusing, chemical profiles are complicated, and an overwhelming variety of products are available.

You can decide what type of concentrate delivers the specific benefits and effects you prefer by familiarizing yourself with the manufacturing process if you are new to concentrates or Cannabis generally.

You can also find out more about Cannabis concentrates by visiting a cannabis dispensary or contacting them online.

Let’s take a closer look at Cannabis Concentrates.

The Basics Of Cannabis Concentrates

Among cannabis resins, concentrates contain cannabinoids and terpenes in high concentrations. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are high in Cannabis concentrates. There is often a four-fold increase in THC content in Cannabis focuses compared to high-quality marijuana.

The packaging of concentrates usually resembles that of lip balms. A flat plastic bag is commonly used for packaging cannabis concentrates. Concentrates are packaged differently based on their consistency. It depends on the extraction method’s consistency and the compounds the concentrate consists of.

marijuana concentrate

How Is Cannabis Concentrate Made?

Modern equipment can be used to make Cannabis concentrates commercially or at home. There are several ways in which they can be produced, including:

  • Generic Dry Processing: This is one of the simplest methods of making cannabis concentrates and involves drying the plant material and then sifting it to remove the trichomes (the resin glands that contain the active compounds). The sifted material is then collected and pressed into a block or molded into a shape.
  • Dry-Ice Processing: This method involves using dry ice to freeze the plant material, making the trichomes brittle and easy to break off. The frozen material is then agitated in a container with a mesh screen, causing the trichomes to fall through and be collected. The collected material can then be pressed or molded into a concentrate.
  • Water Processing: This method involves using ice-cold water to separate the trichomes from the plant material. The plant material is agitated in a container of ice water, causing the trichomes to separate and sink to the bottom. The collected trichomes are then dried and pressed or molded into a concentrate.
  • Pressure and Heat: This method, also known as rosin pressing, involves using heat and pressure to extract the active compounds from the plant material. The material is placed between two heated metal plates and pressed together with a high amount of pressure. The resulting extract is then collected and molded or pressed into a concentrate.
  • Nonflammable Carbon Dioxide Solvents: This method involves using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent to extract the active compounds from the plant material. This method is safe and produces a high-quality concentrate, but requires specialized equipment.
  • Flammable Solvents: This method involves using flammable solvents such as butane, propane, ether, or alcohol to extract the active compounds from the plant material. This method can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken but is efficient and relatively inexpensive. One popular type of concentrate made using this method is butane hash oil (BHO).

concentrates thc

What Are The Types Of Concentrates

Let’s take a look at the various types of cannabis concentrates.

  • Water Hash
    The various methods used to produce water hash result in different products (bubble hash, solventless wax, ice wax, etc.). The primary process involves mixing Cannabis with ice and water, then shifting the mixture to separate the trichomes.
  • Crumble
    BHO’s wax becomes soft and brittle when vacuumed or whipped, making it easy to crumble. However, it is possible to break the crumble into dabs of the appropriate size after it has been sufficiently broken down.
  • Wax
    Water pipes or vaporizers are used to smoke a “dab” of wax. As wax concentrates are the stickiest form of concentrates, you can only handle them with a dab tool.
  • Rosin
    Most users prefer rosin or water hash/kief concentrates from dried, trimmed, or lower-grade buds. A hair straightener, parchment paper, a hair straightener, some hand pressure, and a hair straightener are all you need to make rosin. It will also look similar to a golden shatter or oily extract obtained by solvent extraction since it will appear identical to pressed high-quality water hash.
  • Oil
    C02 is sometimes substituted for butane in the manufacture of concentrates. Runny syringes or containers can result from this process. Compared to BHO, the taste is mostly a matter of personal preference.
  • Shatter
    Shattered BHO (butane hash oil) is a glass-like substance that splits into many pieces when heated. Most shatter is smooth, clear, and solid, except for glass. Known for its purity, shatter is the most sought-after concentrate.

types of concentrates

How To Consume Cannabis Concentrates

When it comes to learning how to consume cannabis concentrates, you’ve probably heard of ‘doing dabs.’ Dab rigs, vaporizers, or pipes are used to vape or smoke small portions of concentrates or extracts.

In most cases, dab rigs are used to do dabs. Specifically designed for vaping concentrates, dab rigs are glass water pipes. In contrast to bongs, dab rigs have a nail for placing your dabs on instead of a bowl for holding your buds.

A butane torch is used to heat the nail for 30–60 seconds before adding the dab. The dab can be inhaled through the rig’s mouthpiece once it hits the hot nail, turning into vapor. As a result, dab rigs produce thick, flavorful clouds of steam to enjoy higher-quality smoke.

Dab pens (wax pens) are another popular method of consuming concentrates. Concentrate vaporizers that look like pens and are designed explicitly with concentrates.

Like portable dab rigs, they can be used instantly to smoke a dab. Many believe dab pens produce less flavorful and smooth vapor than dab rigs, but they are much more convenient and portable.

Many conventional vaporizers can also be used to vape concentrates. If you intend to vape concentrates, make sure your vaporizer is designed for the purpose.

When you vape extracts using a vape that is designed to dry vape flowers, you may damage the device and possibly break it.

It is also important to mention that concentrates can be smoked without using a bong, or pipe. Instead, you can boost the potency of your smoke and give it a little extra kick by adding a dab.

Cannabis concentrates can be a great way to maximize the effect of Cannabis for either recreational or medicinal use.

It is, however, essential to remember that should you be taking Cannabis for medical reasons, you need to check with the medical or health professional first.

Recreational users should also be aware of the potential safety issues involved with not using concentrates properly.

 

A Guide On How to Clean a Dab Rig

More and more people are giving dabbing and dab rigs a try, and there are plenty of benefits to owning and using a dab rig when compared to other cannabis consumption tools and methods. However, if you want to get the best and safest results when dabbing, you need to keep your dab rig clean.

It’s vital to know how to clean a dab rig and to spend time cleaning the dab rig on a regular basis. However, if you’re new to the world of dab rigs, you might not know where to start. This guide is here to help. Below, we’ll cover all you need to know about how to clean a dab rig and highlight the best way to clean dab rig devices.

What Is a Dab Rig?

Before we look at dab rig cleaner and the various aspects of the cleaning process for dab rigs, let’s start off with the basics: what exactly is a dab rig? A dab rig is basically a kind of pipe that is designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates.

They’re also known by other names like oil rigs, wax rigs, or concentrate pipes, and they’re ideal for people who want to experiment with different ways to use cannabis and try a broader range of cannabis products.

cleaning dab rig

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Dab Rig?

So, we know what a dab rig is, but why is cleaning a dab rig so important? Well, there are actually quite a few reasons why you need to know the best way to clean the dab rig.

  • Health and Safety – One of the main reasons to keep your rig clean is for your own health and safety. If you leave a dab rig with stale water and bits of cannabis concentrate stuck inside it, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. This is especially true if you share your rig around, as lots of people like to do.
  • Efficiency – Cleaning your dab rig can also make it more efficient. How? Well, if you don’t clean your rig, little bits of THC concentrate can build up inside it. This can affect the overall quality and performance of the rig, and it might be less fun to use overall. Cleaning it up helps to preserve that “just like new” performance.
  • Quality – Dab enthusiasts are people who care about quality and typically want to have the very best and deepest experiences with their cannabis products. Well, if you don’t keep your rig clean, the quality of your dabs will take a hit. Residue and build-up inside the rig can affect the flavor and aroma of your concentrates.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Dab Rig

Before you start any dab rigs cleaning, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got all of the necessary supplies ready to go. This includes:

  • Your dirty dab rig and dab tools
  • A torch
  • Some 99% isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol
  • Sea salt or rock salt
  • A large plastic bag
  • Some cotton swabs
  • Warm water

cleaning dab rig without alcohol

How To Clean a Dab Rig, a Step-by-Step Guide

Next, let’s look at the best way to clean the dab rig. We’ll show you how to clean your rig with a simple step-by-step process:

  • Gather Your Materials: First, make sure you’ve got all the materials necessary, including your dab rig, dab nail, sea salt, alcohol, and so on.
  • Torch Your Nail: Start off cleaning your dab rig by torching the nail. Use your regular butane torch to burn away any residue or reclaim. This should be enough to clean it, but you can also use alcohol on a cotton swab for an extra level of cleaning.
  • Soak the Nail: If you want to clean the nail even further, put it in a plastic bag or container and soak it in a cleaning solution of isopropyl alcohol. You can also add some salt into the bag, seal it, and shake it a little.
  • Pour Out the Water: Next, we can move on to the rig itself. First, pour out any old or stale water from the rig into a sink or drain.
  • Add Alcohol: Next, pour some rubbing alcohol to fill the base of your rig. You may also want to add a layer of sea salt first if your rig needs a deep clean.
  • Shake: Cover up the holes of your rig and then shake it around to loosen any trapped dirt and debris.
  • Rinse: Finally, rinse out the rig with warm water and then shake it off and let it dry out.

Note: Cleaning dab rig without alcohol – Some people may want to try cleaning a dab rig without alcohol or may not have access to isopropyl alcohol. If this is the case for you, you can clean it with a rig cleaner solution of vinegar and baking soda, instead. You can also just use boiling water. Bring water to a full boil in a pot before rinsing out the rig.

rig cleaner

How to Clean Your Dab Rig with Grain Alcohol

It is also possible to clean your rig with grain alcohol to get rid of reclaim, which is the amber-colored oil that often gets stuck inside a rig. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Pour the grain alcohol into your rig to fill it all the way.
  2. Leave it to soak for a full day.
  3. Shake the rig to get rid of any stuck residue.
  4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and cover it. Then leave it for a couple of days.
  5. When the alcohol evaporates, it will leave behind the reclaim oil for you to reuse.

Is Sterilizing a Dab Rig Necessary?

Generally, it is necessary to sterilize your rig, especially if you plan to share it, but even if you only use it solo. Sterilizing gets rid of bacteria and viruses and helps to keep your rig safe and hygienic to use with all of your favorite extracts from the cannabis dispensary. Contact us today if you have more questions about using and cleaning dab rigs.

 

Cannabis Extract: Different Types of Marijuana Extraction Methods

As laws and attitudes around cannabis start to soften, the cannabis industry is expanding and evolving in some fascinating ways. One of the biggest areas of growth in the cannabis world concerns cannabis extraction. But what is cannabis extraction, and what is cannabis extract? Read on for all you need to know.

What is Cannabis Extraction?

So, what do we mean when we talk about cannabis or marijuana extraction? In simple terms, extraction is a process in which certain molecules are extracted or removed from the cannabis plant matter itself. The results of this process are cannabis extract products, and there are various types of extracts.

This process of CBD extraction and THC extraction is important for various reasons. For one, it helps to create lots of new and different kinds of cannabis products, like hash oil and concentrates. In addition, extracts are usually stronger than cannabis flower, so can be more potent for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Benefits of Marijuana Extract

So, we know that CBD extraction or THC extraction processes can be used to create a range of cannabis extract products. And there are actually many different benefits associated with marijuana extract. Here are just some of the main advantages:

  • Versatility – One of the best things about extracts is that they’re highly versatile, and there are lots of ways for users to consume them. For instance, extracts can be smoked, vaporized, rolled, or even used in recipes for edibles.
  • Potency – Another big benefit of many types of extracts is the fact that they’re more potent than marijuana in its basic flower form. This can be very beneficial for people who need to feel the more potent and long-lasting effects of marijuana on their bodies.
  • Variety – From solventless CBD oil to tinctures, shatter, cannabis oil extract, wax, and more, there are lots of different kinds of extracts and concentrates. The extraction processes are creating an entirely new category of cannabis products for users to try.
  • Medicinal Effects – Another serious advantage of cannabis extracts is the fact that they can be used for medicinal purposes. Some of these extracts may help patients with issues like pain and nausea, for example, or they could take CBD oil for sleep.

marijuana extract

Types of Cannabis Extracts

As stated above, these extraction processes are able to draw out a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant in different ways, resulting in various types of cannabis extracts and concentrates. There are a lot of different kinds of extracts and concentrates you can now buy from your local cannabis dispensary, including:

  • Budder
  • Crumble
  • Shatter
  • Wax
  • THC oil
  • CBD oil
  • Hash
  • Tinctures

Common Cannabis Extraction Methods

To produce products like solventless CBD oil and cannabis oil extract, various methods can be used. Here are some of the main CBD extraction methods:

Solvent-based Cannabis Extractions

As the name suggests, solvent-based extraction methods involve the use of some kind of solvent to extract molecules like cannabinoids from the plant. These methods involve the use of a closed-loop system, in which the solvent passes over the plant matter. As this happens, the key components are extracted from the plant and passed into the fluid.

The fluid can then be separated, allowing the desirable components to gather in a separate container, and the solvent can then be reused to break down more plant matter later on. Processors can use a variety of different kinds of solvents, and they may also use additional refinement processes to improve the purity and even alter the color of the resulting extracts and oils.

Hydrocarbon Extraction

Hydrocarbon extraction is arguably the most common method of extraction to involve solvents in some way. It can also be known as butane extraction and is used to extract products like butane hash oil. For this process, hydrocarbons such as butane are used to draw out cannabinoids and plant oils.

Propane is another hydrocarbon that can be used in this process. Butane is usually more popular and efficient, but some companies will actually use a mix of butane and propane together, and similar methods are used in other industries to make products like food items and even perfumes.

cbd extraction

Ethanol Extraction

Ethanol is another product that can be used in cannabis extraction. It’s a type of alcohol made from fermented plant sugars, and since it’s a food-grade solvent, it’s considered quite a safe option to use in extraction. Ethanol is also relatively cheap and simple to use, reducing labor and energy costs. This method works well for producing distillates, as well as isolates.

Vegetable-Oil Extraction

As well as ethanol extract methods, vegetable oils like sunflower and coconut oil may be used for cannabis extraction. Again, this involves passing the oil over the plant matter to draw out the cannabinoids, and it’s actually one of the few methods that some people can do at home. One of the downsides of this method is that the resulting products have quite a low shelf life.

How to Use Cannabis Extracts

So, what can you do with cannabis extracts? There are many ways in which these products can be consumed. The right method will depend on your preferences, as well as the type of extract you’re using. For example, oils are usually vaporized or mixed in with edibles, while concentrates can be smoked or dabbed. Contact us for more information or if you have questions about using extracts.

 

Is CBD Psychoactive? The Difference Between Psychoactive And Psychotropic

Cannabidiol, or CBD, products are becoming increasingly popular around the world, due to the wide range of benefits and effects that they can provide. However, there are still question marks about CBD’s effects and properties, and some people are unsure about whether this cannabinoid is psychoactive, psychotropic, or something else.

So, is CBD psychoactive? Does CBD have psychoactive effects? Does CBD get you high? And what are the differences between terms like psychotropic vs psychoactive? In this guide, we’ll break down all you need to know about psychoactive ingredients and discuss what specific category CBD falls into.

cbd psychoactive

The Difference Between Psychotropic vs Psychoactive vs Intoxicating

Before we look at questions like “Is CBD psychoactive?” it’s important to have an understanding of what this word actually means. Terms like psychoactive and psychotropic often appear in the media or may be heard when discussing cannabis products like CBD oils with cannabis enthusiasts at your local cannabis dispensary.

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do have their own distinct definitions, and it’s important to get them right. So, what is psychoactive? What does this term refer to? In general, something is “psychoactive” if it is capable of passing the blood-brain barrier. In other words, it’s something that is capable of having an effect on the brain.

Now we know what is psychoactive, but what about psychotropics? Well, this term is very different. Psychotropic actually refers to a chemical or substance that is able to actually alter a person’s mental state and cognitive abilities. In other words, it’s something that can change the way you think and feel, and this is a very important distinction.

Finally, we have the word “intoxicating”. The word intoxicating is closer to psychotropic than psychoactive. It refers to something that can cause significant cognitive changes in a person’s mind, affecting their ability to think and function mentally. It also typically refers to a product that can cause withdrawal symptoms when the user stops consuming it.

does cbd get you high

Is CBD Psychoactive?

Now we know what is psychoactive, it’s easier to answer the question “Is CBD psychoactive?” The simple answer is yes. Psychoactive elements are those that cross the blood-brain barrier and can technically affect a person’s brain. Therefore, from a scientific and technical standpoint, CBD is psychoactive.

How CBD Got the Reputation as Being Non-Psychoactive

The question of does CBD has psychoactive effects is one that has caused a lot of debate online and in scientific circles. And it is possible to find media reports and articles out there that will answer “Is cannabidiol psychoactive?” by saying no, even though it technically is. So why did this happen?

Well, the reason why the internet has so many articles saying CBD isn’t psychoactive is because of a lack of understanding of the specific scientific definition of the word “psychoactive”. A lot of people assume that psychoactive refers to intoxicating products that can make a person feel “high”, like THC.

Therefore, to show that the effects of CBD aren’t the same as the effects of THC, and to encourage people into buying CBD, some companies claim that CBD isn’t psychoactive. What they really mean is that it’s not intoxicating, and it won’t get you high.

is cannabidiol psychoactive

The Difference Between CBD and THC’s Psychoactive Effects

Clearly, CBD and THC are very different cannabinoids. They’re both psychoactive, but THC is the only one of the two to be psychotropic and intoxicating because THC is the part of the cannabis plant that can make people feel high and euphoric. But how does this actually work in the human body?

Well, both CBD and THC interact with a part of the body called the endocannabinoid system. Similar to the central nervous system, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system that can control and trigger different functions in the body.

THC has the distinct ability to mimic a molecule called anandamide, nicknamed the “bliss molecule”, due to the effects it can have on a person’s mood and mental state. It binds with CB1 receptors in the ECS to trigger euphoric feelings and other effects.

CBD works differently. It still has an effect on the ECS and triggers certain responses, like the release of serotonin, which can make people feel a little calmer or more relaxed, but it doesn’t make people high.

Is Cannabidiol Intoxicating?

When we understand the differences between psychotropic vs psychoactive vs intoxicating, it becomes easier to define a substance like CBD. And, due to the fact that intoxicating substances cause significant cognitive changes and withdrawal symptoms, and CBD does not cause either of these things, it cannot be classed as intoxicating.

Does CBD Get You High?

As well as wanting to know does CBD have psychoactive effects, many people are interested to know if CBD can get them high. After all, even small amounts of THC are enough to make someone feel high, so what about CBD?

Well, since CBD is not intoxicating or psychotropic, it can’t get you high. Even if you consume large amounts of CBD oil or a high-CBD cannabis strain, you won’t have the same high feeling as you would with THC. If you have more questions about CBD, contact us to learn more.

 

 

 

What Kind Of Strain Is Wedding Cake And Why Is It So Popular?

One of the fascinating things about cannabis is that it’s available in literally hundreds of different strains. Each strain is unique, and cannabis connoisseurs enjoy discussing the distinctive tastes, aromas, and effects of each strain, with the so-called Wedding Cake strain being one of the most popular and talked-about varieties.

Just like the OG Kush strain back in the 90s and the Girl Scout Cookies strain back in the 2010s, Wedding Cake is seeing a huge surge in usage at the moment. But what strain is wedding cake? And why is wedding cake strain so popular? In this guide, we’ll go over all you need to know about Wedding Cake marijuana.

The History of Wedding Cake Strain

Let’s start off with some history and explore the origins of the Wedding Cake strain. Firstly, it’s important to note that you might also hear this strain referred to under a wide range of other names, including everything from Pink Cookies and Birthday Cake to Triangle Mints 23. But where does it come from and who created it?

Well, one of the interesting things about the Wedding Cake marijuana strain is that nobody really knows how it started. There’s no clear origin story for this strain, which might explain why it has so many names and why it’s so interesting for cannabis fans and enthusiasts to talk about.

There are a couple of different theories about how the strain was made. One story says that Wedding Cake marijuana is a cross between Cherry Pie (which is a potent Indica dominant hybrid strain), and GSC or Girl Scout Cookies. Another tale suggests that Wedding Cake is actually a variety of Triangle Mints, which was made by crossing Triangle Kush and Animal Mints.

So what strain is Wedding Cake really? It’s hard to say with any certainty. What we do know for sure is that it’s around a 60/40 Indica/Sativa split, and it’s a particularly pleasant strain to use with a distinctive appearance.

wedding cake marijuana

Effects and Characteristics

Next, let’s focus on some of the main characteristics associated with this popular cannabis strain:

Appearance

From a visual perspective, it can be hard to tell certain strains apart. However, Wedding Cake does have some interesting aesthetic characteristics that help it stand out. Firstly, it has quite large and colorful flowers, with globular-like nuggets formed into a thick bud-like structure.

The leaves themselves are earthy in color and they almost seem to have a kind of white frosting on the outside, just like a wedding cake. Of course, this “frosting” is actually comprised of lots of trichomes.

Flavor

The name “Wedding Cake” instantly evokes a certain kind of flavor, and many people try this strain for the first time expecting something sweet and delicious. In reality, while the Wedding Cake marijuana strain does have faint vanilla notes, it’s mainly dominated by a smoky, earthy flavor.

Aroma

In regard to its aroma, Wedding Cake doesn’t exactly smell like a real cake. Instead, it’s quite a flat and relatively simple smell, with a mixture of earthy and floral notes and a faint undertone of sweetness that is quite close to vanilla.

Why Is Wedding Cake Strain So Popular?

So, what makes Wedding Cake such a popular strain? Well, there are a few things that people really love about this strain:

  • Easy to Grow – One of the best things about Wedding Cake is how easy it is to grow. It can resist most of the usual dangers and works really well with popular growing techniques like the Sea of Green method.
  • High THC Content – The THC level with Wedding Cake is particularly high, which can appeal to users who want to get those distinctive THC-related effects and euphoric feelings.
  • Effects – Wedding Cake strain effects are one of the main reasons why people are drawn to this strain. It can be really effective at soothing issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, promoting positive and relaxing feelings.

Is Birthday Cake And Wedding Cake The Same Strain?

It depends on who you ask. Some experts say that Birthday Cake and Wedding Cake are the same thing, and both terms are often used interchangeably. Others say that Wedding Cake is a phenotype of Birthday Cake and others argue that the two are totally different. The best thing to do is speak with experts at your local Torrance cannabis dispensary to find out more.

wedding cake marijuana strain

 

How to Grow Wedding Cake?

Thanks to its strong genetics, Wedding Cake is pretty simple to grow. It can grow indoors and it grows short, so there’s no need for staking. It’s immune to most things like molds and pests, and as long you maintain consistent growing conditions, you should see flowers within around two months (if grown indoors). If you grow the plant outside, expect it to flower around October.

Wedding Cake Strain Effects and Medical Benefits

When it comes to Indica vs Sativa or Wedding Cake vs Kush, one of the main ways in which strains differ is in their effects. So, what can Wedding Cake actually do for you? Here are some of the effects it can have:

  • Nerves and Anxiety – Wedding Cake may help to soothe nerves and stresses related to anxiety or depression.
  • Euphoria – Like other high THC strains, Wedding Cake can trigger feelings of joy and euphoria in the user.
  • Creativity – Some users also report feeling much more creative and productive after using Wedding Cake.
  • Chronic Pain – This strain may help to soothe aches and pains throughout the body, helping those with chronic conditions.

We hope that this guide has covered all you need to know about Wedding Cake. Contact us to learn more about this strain and others.

 

 

Edibles 101: What Are Cannabis Edibles and How Do You Consume Them?

One of the most interesting things about cannabis is that it’s very versatile, and there are many different ways to consume it and experience its effects, ranging from smoking to consuming cannabis edibles, like gummies and brownies.

Marijuana edibles are becoming more and more popular, with lots of people around the world eager to give them a try or use infused edibles regularly. In this Edibles 101 guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about cannabis edibles, including the effects of edibles and various types.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

First off, let’s begin with a definition: what exactly are marijuana edibles? In simple terms, cannabis edibles are food products that have been infused, baked, or prepared with cannabis or cannabis extracts like THC and CBD.

These cannabis products can be eaten in order for the user to experience some of the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. They’re an alternative to the traditional forms of consuming cannabis.

There are various different types of marijuana edibles, including gummies, brownies, cookies, and more, and they can vary in terms of their effects and the amount of THC or CBD they contain. Users can even make their own THC-edible products at home.

marijuana edibles

What Are the Benefits of Edibles?

So, why might you like to consider using infused edibles? Well, there are many benefits and advantages associated with these products, including:

  • Easy to Use – One of the main reasons why people are drawn to edibles is because they’re so simple! With edibles, all you have to do is eat. You don’t need any special equipment, so edibles for beginners are a great option.
  • Healthier Than Smoking – When you smoke cannabis, the combustion process can cause certain carcinogenic or dangerous compounds to be released into the air. Edibles offer a safer, healthier, smoke-free alternative.
  • Long-Lasting Effects – Many users of edibles say that the effects of a typical THC edible last for much longer than they would after smoking it.
  • Stronger Effects – Some users also say that the effects of edibles are more potent and noticeable when compared to other cannabis products or other ways of consuming cannabis.
  • Lots of Variety – If you go to a typical Torrance marijuana dispensary, you’ll find a huge range of edibles, with lots of different options to try and enjoy.
  • Fun to Share – A lot of people like edibles because they’re more socially fun and enjoyable to share with a group of friends, which isn’t always the case with smoking or vaping.

How Do Edibles Work?

Next up in our Edibles 101 guide, let’s take a look at how these products actually work. The main functionality of edibles is down to the cannabinoids they contain. Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, are natural compounds that are present in the cannabis plant alongside terpenes (terpenes are aromatic compounds that are less important than cannabinoids in terms of effects). The cannabinoids can interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to trigger certain effects.

What Are the Effects of Edibles?

The effects of edibles may include:

  • Pain relief – Edibles can help people feel relief from aches and pains throughout the body
  • Anxiety relief – People may consume edibles to experience relief from feelings of anxiety or stress
  • Sleep aid – Edibles may also help people relax and get to sleep more easily
  • Confidence – Edibles can also help people feel more confident and sociable for conversations and events
  • Relaxation – People who consume edibles may feel more chilled out and relaxed as a result
  • Managing inflammation – Edibles can also help to calm or ease inflammation around the body
  • Neuroprotection – Studies have shown that cannabis edibles may also help to defend the brain against health issues like Alzheimer’s

What Are the Most Common Types of Marijuana Edibles?

As mentioned earlier on, edibles come in a range of forms. Here are some of the most common varieties:

  • Brownies – Brownies are one of the classic edible options that a lot of cannabis enthusiasts have at least some experience with. They can have various flavors and taste mostly just like regular chocolate brownies.
  • Cookies – Cookies are another kind of baked good that you can make with marijuana as an ingredient. They can have chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, and other ingredients mixed in as well.
  • Candy – Most edibles tend to be sweet treats, so it’s no surprise that candy and gummies are also very popular cannabis-based edibles. They often have fruit flavors and usually, you only need to take a couple of gummies to start feeling some effects.
  • Chocolate – Chocolate is another relatively common form of edible. Like the other entries on our list, CBD chocolate mostly tastes just like regular chocolate but contains precise amounts of cannabis to produce certain effects.

infused edibles

How to Take Cannabis-Infused Edibles?

So, how do you actually take edibles? Well, the best thing about edibles is that they’re so easy to take. All you have to do is either buy them from a store or bake them yourself and then eat them. The only important thing to remember is to get the dosage right and avoid eating too many edibles, as this could make your effects more severe and increase the risk of side effects, too.

What’s the Right Dosage of Cannabis Edibles?

The right dosage of edibles will depend on what kind of edible you’re eating, how concentrated it is, and what kinds of effects you want to experience, as well as your own history with cannabis and how tolerant you are to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. In general, doses anywhere from 1mg to 100mg can be used, and beginners should start off small and build up to bigger doses.

How Do Edibles Differ From Smoking?

Edibles are considered safer than smoking, as smoking involves combustion, which can cause dangerous particles to enter your lungs. With edibles, there’s no combustion to worry about, and it’s possible to use your own safe, natural ingredients or buy safely-prepared edibles from a store. Edibles are also said to produce stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoking.

effects of edibles

How to Make Cannabis Edibles

There are many ways to make cannabis edibles, including cookies and brownies. Usually, the process of making edibles is similar to making any other kind of food product. For example, when baking marijuana brownies, you can follow a typical brownie recipe, but mix an appropriate amount of cannabis into the mixture.

The best tip is to look for recipes online that have good ratings and make sure to calculate your dosage accordingly to make your edibles safe to consume.

We hope that this edibles for beginners guide has helped you learn more about what edibles are and how they work. Be sure to contact us with any questions if you’d like to learn more.

 

 

What Is Cannabis Flower and How to Consume It?

There are so many different types of cannabis and cannabis products for users to be aware of, and if you’re new to the world of cannabis, it can be confusing to hear so many new words and terms like cannabis flower, bud, resin, THC and CBD, and so on.

The idea of marijuana flower may seem tricky to understand for beginners, for example, but it’s an important part of the plant for you to know about. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about marijuana plant flowers.

What is Marijuana Flower?

So, what is a cannabis flower? Well, the flower, which may also be referred to as bud, is the smokable part of a female cannabis plant. It’s the most popular and commonly-used form of cannabis, and it can be used in a lot of different ways, like smoking, vaporizing, or eating.

There are multiple types of cannabis plant flowers out there, and they’re all a little different. Depending on their contents, they may be categorized in different ways, and some common examples include Indica and Sativa.

You may also hear about CBD and THC flowers. When it comes to CBD flower vs THC flower, the key difference is content; CBD flower contains very low amounts of THC, while THC flower can contain large amounts of THC.

Cannabis Flower: Effects & Storage Method

So, what can cannabis flower actually do if you smoke, vape, or consume it? Well, the exact effects of marijuana flower will vary based on various factors, such as the type of flower, the amount of flower, and the tolerance levels of the user.

Flower may produce certain effects that are commonly associated with marijuana in general, such as feelings of relaxation, mild pain relief, and stress or anxiety relief, as well as peace of mind and feelings of happiness, calmness, or euphoria.

This is all because of cannabinoids. What are cannabinoids? They’re simple natural compounds within marijuana plants that can interact with the body to produce certain effects. THC and CBD are two examples, and there are pros and cons to both CBD vs THC.

In terms of storage, it’s really important to keep cannabis flowers in airtight containers and in dark, cool, dry places. This will help them avoid decay, preserving their strength and aroma over time.

marijuana flower

What are the Different Types of Cannabis Flower?

As explained above, there are several different types of cannabis flower, like Indica and Sativa. It’s important for users to know and understand the differences between each type so that they can make the right selections for their own flower use.

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Flower: What’s the Difference?

There are three main types of cannabis flower you can find at your typical Torrance marijuana dispensary: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. Each one is different, with its own characteristics and key features. Let’s take a quick look at all three to see how they compare.

  • Indica

Indica is one of the most famous cannabis varieties. It’s very easy to grow, and a lot of people grow their own Indica cannabis at home. This kind of cannabis flower is known for its low THC levels. In terms of effects, it can produce feelings of calmness, relaxation, and stress relief, as well as ease aches and pains.

  • Sativa

Sativa is the next kind of cannabis. It has higher amounts of THC, and this causes it to have slightly different effects. It also has a different appearance, with long and thin leaves, and it grows best in warm places. This kind of cannabis may boost brain activity, making people more chatty and confident.

Cannabis flower sativa

  • Hybrid

Finally, we have hybrid cannabis flower. As the name implies, this variety is actually a blend or mixture of both Indica and Sativa, offering the best of both worlds. With hybrid strains, users can enjoy the relaxing effects of Indica, as well as the more energizing effects associated with Sativa in one package, so it can be a good option for people looking to get high on flower.

How Can Cannabis Flower Be Used?

One of the things that makes cannabis flower so popular is that it’s a very versatile product, and there are a lot of different ways in which you can use it. It’s possible to smoke flower, as well as vaporize it and even eat it in the form of edibles.

How to Smoke Flower

You can smoke flower in a few different ways:

  • Joints – Joints are the most common form of the smoking flower. They’re essentially like cigarettes, but with flower inside instead of tobacco. You can also make blunts by filling hollowed-out cigars with flowers.
  • Pipes – It’s also possible to use the likes of pipes and bongs for smoking cannabis flower. Pipes and bongs are available in a huge range of shapes and sizes, and this can be a good way to get a more intense experience from your flower.
  • Vaporizer – You can also use a vaporizer device as a way to smoke or vape flower. Unlike combustion methods such as joints and blunts, vaporizers turn the key ingredients from flower into a vapor form that can be inhaled.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to enjoy flowers. Contact us with any questions you might have to learn more about things like smoking flavor and if it’s legal to smoke CBD in public in California.

 

 

T-Break: How to Reset THC Tolerance

If you’ve been consuming cannabis products for quite a while, you may find that the effects gradually seem less strong over time. If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, it’s because your body naturally builds up THC tolerance over time.

This happens with medications and other substances, too, and the body’s cannabis tolerance levels will naturally rise over time, especially in someone who is a regular consumer or someone who uses quite high amounts of cannabis products.

If this happens to you, a T break, or tolerance break, might be the best course of action. As the name suggests, a tolerance break is a period in which you give your body a break from cannabis in order to effectively “reset” your THC tolerance levels.

Read on through our guide to learn what a T break is, how it works, and how you can do your own tolerance break, too.

What Is a Tolerance Break?

Tolerance is quite a confusing issue, and even scientists aren’t sure exactly how it works. What we do know that is the body builds up certain tolerance levels, like marijuana tolerance or CBD tolerance, over time.

This may lead to changes in the endocannabinoid system, which is what triggers the effects of cannabis consumption, like pain relief. So, when you have a high tolerance, your body’s endocannabinoid system may not trigger those same effects you’re used to as strongly.

This is where the concept of the tolerance break comes into play. Since tolerance builds up with regular use, a marijuana tolerance break time basically gives your body some time away from cannabis to reset and reduce your cannabis tolerance back to lower levels.

tolerance break

How T Breaks Work?

It is believed that as the body builds up a tolerance, receptors in the endocannabinoid system become less reactive or even decrease in number. But when you take a break, those receptors reactivate and return, bringing your marijuana tolerance levels back down.

According to research, this can happen in as little as two days. So, cannabis users wanting to take a break simply have to stop using cannabis for a couple of days. During that time, the endocannabinoid system has a chance to rest and reset.

Then, when you use cannabis again after your T break, you should feel like the effects are more noticeable, stronger, and longer lasting. This applies to all forms of cannabis, too, so your edible tolerance levels and smoking tolerance levels should both reset after a break.

After that, if you continue consuming, your body will develop a tolerance all over again, but another break can be used to reset your system.

How Do I Know if I Should Take a Tolerance Break?

The main sign that should let you know that the time is right for a break is if you feel like cannabis products simply aren’t producing the same effects anymore. This is a sure sign that your tolerance levels are high and need resetting. You should also consider a break if you’ve been taking cannabis in higher and higher amounts in order to feel the effects.

How Long of a T Break Is Needed for Cannabis?

In terms of length, as explained earlier on, a break of just two days can suffice for some people in terms of resetting their tolerance levels. You may, therefore, wish to consider taking a 2-day break every month or so, just to give your body a chance to rest and reset.

However, for heavier users, this may not suffice. You might need an even longer break of several days or even weeks. Some users may even need a full month-long marijuana tolerance break time to build their tolerance back.

thc T-break

How to Reset Your Tolerance?

If you want to reset your tolerance levels, the best option is to take a break. You can start off with a small break and then see how you feel, or opt for a longer one. During break time, avoid consuming any cannabis products. Using an online tolerance break chart or creating your own tolerance break chart may help you get through the days more easily.

How to Lower THC Tolerance

If you’re looking to lower your THC tolerance levels, a break is usually the best option. You should take at least a couple of days to stop consuming any products that are high in THC, which includes most cannabis products. If you still wish to feel some of the same effects, you could switch to CBD-based products like CBD gummies and oils. When it comes to CBD vs THC, CBD products may be able to meet your needs without the same risks.

How to Lower CBD Tolerance

If you want to lower your tolerance to CBD, you’ll need to take a break from CBD products like CBD gummies and CBD oil. You can also try looking for products that contain other cannabinoids instead at your local marijuana dispensary, but make sure to check that they aren’t high in CBD, as this will defeat the purpose. In general, you should also check that you’re taking the correct CBD dosage.

We hope that this guide has helped you understand more about tolerance. Be sure to contact us with any inquiries or additional questions you might have on this matter.

Edibles Dosing: How To Know The Right Dose For Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are becoming more and more popular, and there are so many different options out there, including pre-made edibles you buy from stores or homemade edibles you prepare in your own kitchen.

But one of the big issues that a lot of people have is edibles dosing. It can be tricky to know the right edible dosage to take, and it can also be a challenge to figure out how much cannabis you get in the average edible dose.

In this edible dose guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about edibles dosing. We’ll go over how to dose edibles and look at some example doses of standard THC edibles to see what effects each edible dose can cause.

How to Dose Edibles?

Typically, doses of THC or CBD are measured in milligrams or mg, and it only takes a single mg or two for most people to feel some effects. Read on to learn more about edibles dosage.

How to Calculate the Right Dosage for a Homemade Edible?

If you want to work out dosages for your own homemade edibles, you have to first figure out how much THC is in the plant you’re using. You can then divide that number by 1000 to get the amount in each milligram.

Then, all you have to do is work out how many mg you want to include in the full recipe, and then divide the total by the number of servings to see how much THC is in each serving.

How Much of an Edible Should You Take the First Time?

If you’re just starting out, it’s best, to begin with, small doses, such as one or two THC or CBD gummies, for example, or a small piece of a brownie. This allows you to monitor your body’s reaction and build up to bigger doses later on.

cbd gummies

Is There a Maximum Dose for Cannabis Edibles?

Most users should be able to get sufficient effects from doses up to 50mg. It’s possible to take more than this, up to and over 100mg, but the effects will get progressively more severe and there are also higher risks of side effects if you take too much, so it’s best to find your own limit and stop there.

Edible Dosing Guide: How to Determine Dosing in Edibles

As you can see, figuring out the right edible dosage isn’t always easy, and the truth of the matter is that the right edible dose can vary from person to person. To help you find the right dosage to suit your needs, we made this simple edible mg chart.

Below, you’ll see some example edibles mg dosage amounts, ranging from 1mg of THC gummy dose all the way up to 100mg, along with the typical effects for each one. This should help you understand what each cannabis dosage can do and help you choose an appropriate dosage.

1 – 2.5 mg THC edibles

1 to 2.5 total mg is often recommended as the best starter dose for people who are new to the world of marijuana edibles. With this kind of dosage, you should be able to start noticing some mild effects, such as a general feeling of positivity, higher levels of focus, reduced feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as light pain relief.

This is a good dose for beginners. It gives you a chance to let your body’s endocannabinoid system get used to the interactions with THC edibles, and it gives you time to see and feel the effects of this kind of cannabis product with minimal risks of any unwanted side effects.

cbd cookie

10 mg THC edibles

Once you get up to 10mg, the effects of edibles start to become more pronounced and noticeable. At this kind of dosage, for example, you may start to feel stronger relief from things like pain, worry, stress, and anxiety. You may also feel happier and even euphoric, but you may notice some impairment in your perception and concentration.

This could be a recommended dosage for someone who wants to enjoy the recreational use of edibles, as well as people who want to use edibles to manage issues like anxiety or mild aches and pains, like back pain. It can also help people get to sleep more easily.

20 mg THC edibles

Around 20mg and above is when THC edibles really start to cause strong effects in terms of a person’s perception, coordination, and general mental state. This kind of dosage may produce a feeling of intense euphoria, but it can also cause some negative side effects and drastically impair a person’s levels of perception.

In general, 20mg is a dosage that is best reserved for people who have a lot of experience with edibles and already have quite a high tolerance to THC. This kind of dosage can also be used with the likes of CBD oil and CBD gummies as a CBD dosage if you already have a high tolerance to CBD in general.

cbd edibles

50 – 100 mg THC edibles

Now, we’re getting up to the highest doses that a person might take. When you consume anywhere from 50 to 100mg of THC edibles, you may experience a wide range of unpleasant side effects, including, but not limited to, nausea, aches, and a faster heart rate, as well as severely impaired levels of coordination.

In general, this kind of THC edible dosage should only be consumed by people who have a lot of experience with THC and a high level of tolerance. It may also be recommended for people who have a history of medical cannabis use and those who are living with severe health conditions like chronic pain problems or cancer.

What’s the Right THC Dosage For You?

Ultimately, finding the right dose for you will depend on several factors, like your medical status, your history of cannabis usage, and the effects you want to feel. It’s always best to start off small with edibles and build up gradually to give your body time to get used to the effects. A good marijuana dispensary should have expert staff who can help you. Contact our dispensary to learn more.

Decarboxylation Guide: How To Decarb Cannabis?

Are you looking to get the full effects of your cannabis? Whether you are eager to bake a batch of cannabis edibles or want to formulate your own cannabutter for other purposes, you need to first familiarize yourself with the process of decarboxylation.

What is Decarboxylation?

Decarboxylation refers to heating cannabis and hemp material to activate the cannabinoids within the plant’s buds, stems, leaves, or kief. In essence, decarboxylating, or simply “decarbing,” ensures users experience cannabis’ psychoactive effects by focusing on its active components through what is known as a decarboxylation reaction.

Decarboxylation reaction primarily refers to a chemical reaction of carboxylic acids erasing a single carbon atom from a chain of carbons. It is the first chemical step in photosynthesis, where Carbon Dioxide is added to the compound and, therefore, is the only way to achieve the full effects of marijuana ingestion.

decarb cannabis

 

How to Decarb Cannabis?

There are various methods of decarboxylation to choose from, and which one you decide to use may vary based on the degree of difficulty and why you are decarbing cannabis. Here are some of the most effective methods of cannabis decarboxylation.

Natural Method

The decarboxylation reaction can occur naturally over time, provided your plant is exposed to high enough temperatures and sufficient light and oxygen.

However, this method is not optimal if you want to implement the process as effectively as possible and in a shorter time frame, as it can take up to 12 months.

Baking Sheet Method

Decarboxylation is super easy if you have access to an oven to pop your cannabis into.

Set the oven temperature to around 215ºF, with the rack in the middle slot of the oven. This is necessary because the top oven rack is too hot and will burn the cannabis, whereas the bottom shelf will take far longer as it is the coolest place in the oven.

Make sure to line your baking tray with aluminum foil and place the ground cannabis on the tray, then leave your cannabis to bake for approximately 35 minutes.

decarboxylating cannabis

Oven Bag Method

Another easy decarboxylation method you can try using an oven is the oven bag method. In fact, most people would agree that this method is even more straightforward than the baking sheet method to decarb cannabis.

This time, preheat the oven to a slightly higher temperature of around 240-250°F. Place your cannabis plant material in an oven bag and tie the bag closed as tightly as possible; then simply place the bag on a baking sheet and put it into the preheated oven for roughly half an hour until you see the cannabis turn to a crisp golden-brown color.

Mason Jar Method

The mason jar method is arguably the best option of all, as it is super easy to do in the oven, and the jar storage system is the perfect way to keep the aroma of the cannabis intact.

Once again, an oven is needed for this method, and you will need to preheat it to about 250°F. Then, place your broken-up cannabis into the jar, and stick it onto the middle rack of the oven, ensuring that the glass sides of the jar do not touch the stove directly.

Leave the jar of cannabis to bake for about half an hour, and once it turns to brownish color, carefully remove the jar from the oven. This method is effective and requires very low effort, making it a favorite among cannabis connoisseurs.

Microwave Oven Method

The microwave oven method is the quickest by far and can be executed with ease in under five minutes.

Grind up or break your cannabis using a cannabis grinder or carefully by hand and spread it evenly onto a microwave-proof glass dish. Microwave the bud on the medium setting for around 90 seconds, then stir the ground-up cannabis and proceed to microwave it for a further 90 seconds. Once your cannabis turns to the desired golden-brown color, it is ready for use!

decarb marajuana

When Should You Decarboxylate Marijuana?

Now that we have briefly run through a few easy methods of cannabis decarboxylation, it is important to clarify when decarboxylation is required.

If you are looking to extract decarboxylated THC or CBD oil, then decarboxylation is absolutely essential. In order to access the full psychoactive effects of cannabinoids and terpenes, you need to ensure that your marijuana is properly decarboxylated.

Cannabis oils and cannabis edibles will only be useful for consumption when proper decarboxylation occurs. Luckily for you, using the correct decarboxylation mechanisms, you can quickly achieve whatever your desired level is on the decarb chart.

Just make sure to follow the strict time parameters of each method because if you decarboxylate marijuana for too long, it will burn and no longer serve its purpose effectively.

Chemistry of Decarboxylation: THC and CBD

The age-old THC vs CBD debate is well documented and has been debated among cannabis users for decades.

Essentially THC provides users with the euphoric high that marijuana is most widely recognized for. In contrast, CBD does not; instead, providing a considerable number of other benefits such as reduced anxiety levels and pain relief.

While both compounds have their pros and cons, decarboxylation is essential for extraction in both cases.

Why Decarboxylation Is Important?

If you are looking to ingest cannabis in any way other than smoking it directly, decarboxylation has to occur, or the intended effects will not be achieved.

Whether you are eager to make some homemade edibles or cannabutter, you need to decarb your cannabis, or it’ll provide absolutely no psychoactive effects whatsoever.

The needed equipment and temperature for the decarboxylation process vary significantly from method to method, but the one constant is that without decarboxylation, your cannabis creations will not provide any benefit other than making your food taste slightly like marijuana.

To get the best out of cannabis, the cannabinoids need to be activated through heat. Therefore decarboxylation is genuinely the only option when it comes to yielding the best results when it comes to preparing your marijuana for consumption.